MILWAUKEE - Shawn Claud Lawson scored a pair of goals and Oakland University posted its fourth consecutive shutout in handing the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team a 2-0 defeat Wednesday evening at Engelmann Stadium.
 
The Golden Grizzlies (5-5-1, 4-0-1 Horizon League) extended their winning streak on the season to five games in a row, topping the Panthers (4-8-2, 1-3-1 Horizon League) for the first time since the 2009 season.
 
Claud Lawson found the back of the net early, striking just 2:39 into the match to put Milwaukee in a difficult spot. Goalkeeper Wes Mink did the rest, making five saves to extend his scoreless streak in goal to just short of 400 minutes (399:10).
 
"We've seen this situation more than I would like this year," Milwaukee head coach Kris Kelderman said. "We gave up a goal early on a set piece. But, saying that, there was plenty of time to make up for that and we have to do a better job."
 
UWM did end up with an 11-3 advantage in shots in the second half, but could not break through the Oakland defense. Claud Lawson netted his third of the year in the 71^st minute to ice the victory, tapping in a through ball alone in the box.
 
"It looks like Oakland has learned from its tough matches and grown as a team," Kelderman said. "At the end of the day, Oakland was much sharper than us tonight. I give them a lot of credit."
 
The Panthers had some opportunities to equalize. Freshman Nick Moon forced the toughest save of the night in the 48^th minute, dribbling through traffic before firing on net from 30 yards out. Mink got a hand on it and forced it over the cross bar for a corner kick.
 
Senior Laurie Bell had a dangerous opportunity on a 25-yard free kick in the 55^th minute, but sent the attempt just over the bar.
 
Moon again nearly had the equalizer in the 64^th minute, sending a shot from the wing just inches wide of the right post. Senior Kyle Neumann also had a quality header late in the 86^th minute, but it was just off the mark as well.
 
UWM ended the night with a 15-11 advantage in shots, with both teams sending five on target and forcing three corner kicks apiece.
 
It's a huge game for Milwaukee next, as it heads to Chicago to take on UIC with important points in the conference standings up for grabs. Kickoff Saturday is set for 7 p.m.

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